Welcome to the first edition of “Career Check.” In this new series, I will briefly look at and comment on a film star’s (actors/directors) recent works and upcoming projects.

Please note I will only focus on some films released in the past couple of years. This is not a retrospective on an entire career, but merely a very quick look at what these people have recently done and where they’re heading right now. Feel free to comment below.

So where’s your career heading, Samuel L. Jackson?

Recent flicks

• Lakeview Terrace: The film's script failed to win me over, but Jackson sure proved he has what it takes to play a nasty bastard with a terribly frightening look. Without a doubt in my mind, he saved this film from slipping into disaster.

• Jumper: Jackson's disastrous haircut and its disturbing color in this disappointing action flick ruined it for me. Too bad. 

• 1408: He didn't exactly have a huge role in this mediocre mystery thriller, but he delivered the few lines he had convincingly.

• Resurrecting the Champ: Jackson playing a homeless boxing legend? Can't say I loved the film as a whole, but I applauded Jackson's efforts in playing a crazy bum. Passing grade on this one. 

• Black Snake Moan: Delicious performance by Jackson. As the scary Lazarus, he did a hilarious job teaching Christina Ricci how to behave. Once again, he carried the film on his shoulders, for sure!

• Snakes on a Plane: Besides delivering one of the greatest lines in recent film history, Jackson made this film highly enjoyable. Okay, the whole thing was wacko to begin with, but Jackson showed us he has no problems showing those damn snakes who the real boss is.

• The Man: This disaster turned out to be one of the weakest films of the year, and there was nothing Jackson could do to save it. Although the script was crap and Jackson didn't get any decent lines to work with, he still failed to deliver a decent performance. 

What’s next?

• The Spirit: He stars as the film's villain Octopus, and he does look scary. The man knows how to play a badass, so I'm not too worried about this.

• Soul Men: Starring alongside the late Bernie Mac, Jackson returns to comedy in "Soul Men." Not sure if this is going to work, but at least he looks goofy.

• Unthinkable: In this thriller, he plays a black-ops interrogator pressing a suspect into revealing the locations of three nuclear weapons. Ahhhh, he's back portraying a hero. Watch out for that terrifying look and a lot of screaming.

And there you go, that's pretty much what Samuel L. Jackson has coming up. All in all, he's done some interesting things over the past years, with only a few disastrous exceptions we quickly want to forget. What's your favorite (least favorite) flick in this list? Comment below!